Hauser season ends with loss to Jac-Cen-Del

OSGOOD — When the final buzzer sounded on Hauser’s 49-34 girls basketball sectional semifinal loss to Jac-Cen-Del, it marked the end of the Jets’ season.

Guided by first year coach Brad Hamilton, Hauser took the Class A No. 8 and host Eagles to the limit in a game that was much more competitive than the final score reflected.

“The effort today was phenomenal,” Hamilton said. “We didn’t get off to the best start, and it gave (Jac-Cen-Del) confidence. But the girls stayed positive and never gave up.”

After falling 12 points behind the Eagles (16-3) in the first quarter, the Jets (10-13) continued to battle, eventually cutting the lead to four early in the final period. Foul trouble by Hauser enabled Jac-Cen-Del to stretch its lead, but the performance by the Jets marked the latest example of the team’s “never quit” attitude that drove them the entire season.

“With our late start and

injuries this season, I feel

like we were never able to

get into a comfort zone,” Hamilton said. “The effort from this team has been amazing all year. We’re really going to miss Erynn Shaw. She was such a calming influence on this team and worked hard all season.”

Shaw will be the only senior player that Hauser will lose from its varsity roster.

“I’ve played with Shaw since grade school,” junior Ellie Trotter said. “She’s always been a big piece of our team, especially with the players bonding. She’s been a big contributor, especially as a leader, and we’re really going to miss her.”

“It’s like I’m losing part

of my family,” said an emotional Shaw.

“It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced to know that was my last game with them. I’ve very proud of them, and they’re going to have a great season next year.”

Hamilton echoed Shaw’s optimism about the future.

“We’ve got the majority of our team returning next season,” Hamilton said. “And

theoretically, we’ll have more time to prepare. It should help us progress.”

Following a six win 2012-13 season which ended in a first-round sectional loss, Hamilton was hired to lead the

Hauser girls team. Getting a late start with practice due to the success of Hauser’s volleyball team, the Jets struggled early in the season to find their identity.

As the year progressed, Hauser’s confidence grew, resulting in an improved 10 wins for the season, including a thrilling double-overtime victory over Oldenburg Academy in first-round sectional play.

“We’ve come a long way this season,” Shaw said. “From having a new coach to starting late last summer, we had to learn fast. Coach Hamilton made it easy for us to adjust, and we worked hard. We really played well at the end of the season, and I’m very proud of our team. It’s been a great year, and I’m going to miss them all.”